Abyssinian White-eye

Rare night bird found in high elevation Andean cloud forest. Cryptically patterned in brown and buff with white patches in the wings. Usually seen perching vertically on the tip of an exposed branch or snag. Sometimes encountered roosting or nesting during the day and may return to the same location over the course of months or even years. At night, it is usually detected by seeing its eyeshine in the beam of a light or by hearing its song—a short howl given at long intervals.

Elegantly long-winged brown lapwing. Breeding adult has clean black cap, bright yellow facial wattles, and a white belly. Non-breeding adults and juveniles are more mottled overall and lack a solid black cap. Note contrasting wing and tail pattern when in flight. Prefers dry open areas, often well away from water. Gives a loud rasping tern-like call and a loud “cheeeee’it” in alarm; generally not as noisy as other lapwings.

An uncommon and easily overlooked small duck of lakes and wetlands, usually with surrounding reeds. Mainly seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small groups, and at times sleeping with Lake Ducks. Note the long and low profile in the water and the long gray bill with a pink band at the base on males. Males have a black head, but females are notably drab brownish overall and are best identified by size and shape, and association with a male. Lays its eggs in nests of other birds, such as coots, ducks, and even herons. Ducklings fend for themselves.